A: At VACUFLO of STL, we stock a wide variety of accessories to help keep your whole house clean. See our Online Store for a complete listing, or come into showroom to see what we have to offer! Brochures are also available.
Q: What is the most popular accessory kit?
A: Our TurboTeam is a great value and is very popular with our customers. It includes the 30 ft. switched hose, hose rack, deluxe tool set with caddy, adjustable telescopic wand, and a Turbocat Power brush.
Health
Q: How is a Central Vacuum System healthier than a standard portable vacuum?
A: By design, a portable vacuum’s motor is right in front of you as you vacuum — exhausting dust particles, dander, allergens and other fine particals back into your home. A Vacuflo Central Vacuum System, however, usually has its power unit located outside of the main house and most systems exhaust outside of the home, so none of these unhealthy particles recirculated into the home. Additionally, with up to 5 times more suction power than any portable vacuum, VACUFLO of STL system gets your house cleaner so you can stay healthier.
Hose
Q: Are longer hoses available?
A: VACUFLO of STL stocks 50 ft. garage hoses for those with 3-car garages or those who just need a little more extension from their utility valve. However, we do not recommend using longer than a 35 ft. hose on the interior as it may cause diminished suction power.
Q: When I plug in my TurboGrip hose, the on/off switch will not turn my system off, what could be the problem?
A: 1. The hose may not be properly inserted into the wall inlet valve. the two metal prongs on the end of the hose must be completely seated in the two holds inside the wall inlet to override the switch and turn the hose off. Simply make sure that the hose is pushed completely into the valve. 2. The valve may be slightly warped due to over-tightening of the screws. An easy fix, just loosen the screws and re-tighten going 1/4 turn past snug. Don't over tighten!
Q: My hose won't turn on...how do I fix it?
A: 1. Confirm that the power unit still turns on when you open the valve (there's suction coming from the valve). If your unit doesn't turn on, it's possible there's a problem with the power unit. Call VACUFLO of STL (636) 928-8832 and we can troubleshoot with you to diagnose the problem. 2. Quick fix: Pull the hose just slightly out of the valve till you hear the valve activate and suction returns (Typically at the 3 o’clock position). The hose will then turn on and stay on until unplugged from the wall, but you will lose the on/off capability (the on/off switch is a convenience feature--it does not affect the performance of your system). Note: this may cause a loss of suction power. 3. Long term fix: Bring the hose into VACUFLO of STL. We can usually diagnose and fix hose problems in under 10 minutes. If hoses are irreparably damaged, we always have plenty in stock for purchase.
Q: When I use my hose from my Garage & Car Care Kit in the garage, I experience low suction, but when I use my other hose inside the house, the suction is fine, why is this happening?
A: Pull apart your plastic wands that connect into your garage hose. Sometimes dirt and debris can get clogged inside the wand and will build up and cause low suction. Check the garage hose for clogs, or there could be a clog above the utility valve (next to your Power Unit) in the tubing system.
Q: I've heard about hoses that are stored in the walls--what are these and how do they work?
A: Hide-A-Hose! One of our newer offerings, the Hide-A-Hose system cleverly stores the vacuum hose inside the wall. Just open the outlet, pull out as little or as much hose as you need, and go! When you are finished, the suction from the Central Vacuum power unit retracts the hose back out of sight.
Q: Can a Central Vacuum System be installed in mobile homes or RVs?
A: While mobile homes and RVs can present some challenges because of space restrictions, there’s really no reason why these spaces can’t enjoy the benefits of a Central Vacuum. For these applications, a specialized power unit can be installed and more space-efficient accessories purchased.
Piping and Valves
Q: What can I do if I have a clog in my tubing?
A: If you have determined there is a clog in your tubing inside the walls, there are a few things you can try to loosen the clog yourself:
1) Check inside each inlet at the 90 degree fitting that connects into the inlet, sometimes an object may be stuck right inside that fitting and you can pull it out with your fingers.
2) Go to the wall inlet that seems to have the lowest suction, open it up and place your palm over the opening, creating a seal. Let the suction build up for a couple seconds and then pull your hand off the inlet. Do this a couple of times and it may loosen up the clog and send it through to the Power Unit. If you don't get good suction after doing this, there still may be an obstacle in the tubing. Send several marble sized rocks through the inlet valve and tubing system to knock out these obstacles. Check dirt bucket to see if any objects have come through (especially long objects).
If these things do not work, call VACUFLO of STL for service at (636) 294-6822.
Power Unit
Q: What are the differences between a True Cyclonic, Filtered Cyclonic, and inverted bag filtered systems?
A: Cyclonic technologies, both true and filtered, maintain maximum airflow and optimum cleaning power over time—even when the dirt canister is full. These cyclonic units create a powerful centrifugal force that sends 96-98% of all dirt vacuumed directly to the remote canister. The remaining fine particles are exhausted outside with True Cyclonic units, or captured in a long-lasting filter with Filtered Cyclonic units. In inverted bag-filtered systems, cleaning performance diminishes rapidly as the cloth bag becomes clogged with dirt. After only a few uses, the bag must be replaced or cleaned to restore the system to original performance levels.
Q: How loud are the systems?
A: Vacuflo Central Vacuum Systems are the quietest Central Vacuums on the market. Our popular 466Q & 566Q power units are 59.7 dBA and 60.7 dBA respectively. That’s just slightly louder than the average person converses in. And since power units are generally installed outside the main house, sound is rarely a problem.
Q: Can I use my Central Vacuum as a wet vac?
A: The majority of Central Vacuums are designed for dry use only. However, at VACUFLO of STL we do carry wet vac accessory that can be used in conjunction with your Central Vacuum system to collect water, or used as a separator for large items (e.g. leaves or pine needles) you want to keep from entering the tubing system.
Q: Do you sell other brands besides Vacuflo?
A: Yes. We strongly believe that Vacuflo is the best system available, but we do offer other systems as well. Visit any of our show room and our knowledgeable Customer Service Representatives will help you weigh the benefits of each brand.
Q: My canister (Power Unit) won't come on at all, what should I do?
A: 1) First check the breaker in your electrical panel 2) You can also check to see if the reset button on the canister itself has popped out. This is located on the upper left hand side of the unit above where the low voltage wires connect into the machine. Try to push this in if it has popped out. 3) If the Power Unit still does not come on, try plugging something else (a hair dryer or electric drill) into the electrical plug that your canister is plugged into. It may be that the electrical plug is not working (in this case, call an electrician).
If you have checked all of these things and it still will not come on, call VACUFLO of STL for service (636) 294-6822.
Q: What do I do if my Power Unit will not shut off?
A: Unplug the unit from the electrical outlet as quickly as possible or turn off the electrical breaker. Call VACUFLO of STL for troubleshooting and service (636) 294-6822.
Q: I am noticing black dust around my canister (Power Unit), is this normal?
A: This black dust is normally carbon dust that is caused by the motor brushes as they wear down. It is usually not an indicator of a bad motor or poor performance. The dust will accumulate especially on the PVC tubing that connects into your unit on the exhaust side (right side), because the tubing has a static electric charge that attracts small dust particles. However, if you notice what appears to be an excessive amount of dust building up in a short period of time, it may be wise to call VACUFLO of STL for service (636) 294-6822.
Q: I have been cleaning the screen inside my Power Unit, but I am still experiencing low suction, what else could cause this?
A: Another cause of low suction could be that your Turbocat brush is not spinning properly (see frequently asked question on Turbocat not spinning), or it may be that you have a clog in your hose or in the tube in the walls. If the suction feels strong at the inlet valve in the wall before you plug your hose in, it could mean that something is clogged inside your hose.
Methods to unclog a hose: 1) Cup your hand around the handle end of the hose and stick it inside one of your inlets (trying to create a seal around the inlet with you hand); while doing this, tap the palm of your hand on the other end of the hose-this may loosen up the clog and pull it out 2) Press the hose a long its length to try and feel for the clog, when you find it, press down on it and knead-this may break it up enough so it will go through the hose 3) Use a dry garden hose and fish it through the end of the hose-this may push out the clog.
If you have determined that your Turbocat brush is spinning freely and you do not have a clog in your hose, you may have a clog inside the tubing in your walls.
Q: I have been using my Vacuflo system over a period of a year or more, and my suction seems to be reducing as I continue to use it. What could be wrong?
A: If the unit is True Cyclonic, the problem could be that you have not been cleaning the screen that is inside of the Power Unit. This should be done each time that you dump the dirt bucket. If it is not maintained, a build up of debris could cause the screen to become clogged, thus causing low suction throughout the system.
To clean the screen:
1) remove the dirt bucket from the bottom of the canister; 2) use a flashlight to look up inside the bottom of the canister, you will see a plastic cone, and up inside that cone (above elbow deep) is a screen approximately 8" in diameter; 3) we recommend using a toilet brush or old long handle paint brush to stick up inside the cone and scrape the dust from the screen (you can also use your hand, but it can be a dirty job!); 4) one other tip to avoid getting too dirty-put a toilet brush inside a 20 gallon garbage bag and secure this bag around the bottom of the canister with a large rubber band-grab the toilet brush from outside the bag and use as you normally would; all of the dirt will fall right into the garbage bag.
If the unit is Filtered Cyclonic, the problem could be that you have not changed the filter that is inside the Power Unit. This should be done at least once a year. If it is not changed, a build up of debris could clog the filter, thus causing low suction throughout the system. To change the filter: 1) Remove the dirt bucket from the bottom of the canister 2) Remove the cone by pulling straight down 3) Turn the filter latch 1/4 turn and remove the filter 4) Replace filter, cone, and bucket
Q: I have been cleaning the screen inside my Power Unit, but I am still experiencing low suction, what else could cause this?
A: Another cause of low suction could be that your Turbocat brush is not spinning properly (see frequently asked question on Turbocat not spinning), or it may be that you have a clog in your hose or in the tube in the walls. If the suction feels strong at the inlet valve in the wall before you plug your hose in, it could mean that something is clogged inside your hose.
Methods to unclog a hose: 1) Cup your hand around the handle end of the hose and stick it inside one of your inlets (trying to create a seal around the inlet with you hand); while doing this, tap the palm of your hand on the other end of the hose-this may loosen up the clog and pull it out 2) Press the hose a long its length to try and feel for the clog, when you find it, press down on it and knead-this may break it up enough so it will go through the hose 3) Use a dry garden hose and fish it through the end of the hose-this may push out the clog.
If you have determined that your Turbocat brush is spinning freely and you do not have a clog in your hose, you may have a clog inside the tubing in your walls.
TurboCat/RugRat/Powerheads
Q: The brush on my Turbocat power head will not spin, what should I do?
A: Turn your power brush over and remove the clear plastic belt protector by turning the two black clips holding it in place. You will see a channel that makes a "v" shape. Take a flashlight and look down inside that channel, there may be an object stuck in the channel that is preventing the brush from spinning. Use your fingers or a screwdriver to dislodge the object. If you cannot see an object stuck in the channel, you may need to call our office to get help with further troubleshooting the problem, or bring your power head in to be looked at.
Q: Why is the brush on my RugRat (small power head for stairs, cars, etc.) not spinning properly?
A: There may be something stuck inside that is stopping the brush from spinning. Unclip the underside of the RugRat and take it off. Look to see if an object is jammed somewhere inside. Also, the bearings on the brush may be jammed with hair. In this case, you would need to purchase a replacement roller brush.
A: A VacPan is an automatic dustpan that is connected to your Central Vacuum System. Easily installed in any room with smooth surface flooring, you just open the valve with your foot, sweep dirt and debris into the opening and your Vacuflo takes care of the rest. Popular in kitchens, bathrooms, workshops…anywhere frequent sweeping is needed.
Q: Can a VacPan be added to a home with an existing system?
A: As long as there is crawl (or basement) space access, VACUFLO of STL can usually provide you a VacPan. For more information, call our office and we’ll provide you with a FREE estimate (636) 294-6822.
Q: When I turn on my vacuum system, I hear air flow through my VacPan in the toe kick of my cabinet, should this be happening?
A: You should not hear air flow through the VacPan in the kitchen when you are using other inlets in the house. Open up the VacPan and feel inside with your fingers, there may be something lodged inside that is keeping it from shutting all the way. If this is not the case, call VACUFLO of STL for service (636) 294-6822.
Value
Q: Approximately how much does a Central Vacuum System cost?
A: Just as every home is different in size and layout, so must the system be that accommodates it. For an accurate price quote for installing a system into your home, call our office and we’ll provide you a FREE estimate (636) 294-6822.
Q: How does a Central Vacuum affect my home’s value?
A: The National Association of REALTORS (NARS) has determined that a home with a Central Vacuum System typically sales for about $1000 -$3500 more than a home with out a Central Vacuum System.
Warranty/Maintenance/Service
Q: What kind of warranty does a VACUFLO of STL Central Vacuum come with?
A: The best in the industry! HP Products (Vacuflo) offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty on the power units they manufacture*. This warranty also extends to the tubing and the valves** if installed by an authorized Vacuflo Dealer such as VACUFLO of STL.
*Lifetime warranty good only for the original owner of the home. Warranty is for parts only. Labor warranty is 3 years. **Lexan valves Only.
Q: What kind of maintenance does a Vacuflo System require?
A: Very little! Just empty the dirt bucket when it is full (it is clear so it is easy to see when this is needed), clean the screen on the true cyclonic models and you are done! On filtered models, you should clean or replace the filter once a year. For step-by-step instructions on how to clean the screen on true cyclonic models refer to your owners manual.
Q: Can you service existing systems, even if they are not Vacuflo?
A: Absolutely. Call our VACUFLO of STL and we’ll arrange for one of our friendly Service Representatives to take a look at your system. (636) 294-6822.
